Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan on Sunday to win Asian Cup© AFP
In a tournament where the toss played a vital role, Sri Lanka defied all odds of beating Pakistan in the Asian Cup final, despite being on the losing side of the coin flip and being put at the bat. The chasing side had won eight of the eleven matches in the tournament so far, two of which came in India and Pakistan’s victories over Hong Kong. But Sri Lanka showed a lot of courage and determination to come out on top in the final, despite being down 58/5 at one point.
Good throw to lose guys!! Showed character and passion to play for the country and so proud of everyone…enjoy the win as the whole country will…brilliant team effort #AsiaCup2022
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) September 11, 2022
Former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardena took to social media to praise Sri Lanka’s efforts at the top match as they won their sixth Asia Cup title.
“Well thrown to lose guys!! Showed character and passion to play for the country and so proud of everyone… enjoy the win as the whole country will do… brilliant team effort,” he tweeted.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa played a brilliant 71* knockout on 45 deliveries to take Sri Lanka to 171/6 from a position where even 150 seemed hard to reach.
He was amply supported by Wanindu Hasaranga, who scored 36 of 21 deliveries.
Pramod Madushan then took two wickets in two balls to rattle Pakistan early.
Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed tied for 71 points, but their scoring percentage was too low and the pressure mounted.
Madushan then broke the tie and claimed his third wicket, and it’s all been Sri Lanka ever since, despite Rizwan batting half a century.
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Rizwan, Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah were all sent in one package to end Pakistan’s hopes.
Pakistan was eventually knocked out for 147 from the final episode of the match, sparking ecstatic celebrations from Sri Lanka’s players.
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